Ethnic Community Committee

City of Sterling Heights ETHNIC COMMUNITY COMMITTEE Official minutes of the Thursday, May 6, 2021 regular meeting, via Zoom conference call. MEMBERS PRESENT: Sharron Allen Willie Dechavez Kozeta Elzhenni Susan Kattula Abul Patwary Iqbal Singh Shawn Taylor Carmen Williams Stacy Williams MEMBERS ABSENT: Mohammed Alomari Abbott Basal OFFICIALS PRESENT: Community Relations Services Specialist Sue Giallombardo 1. Call to Order 2. Roll Call 3. Approval of Minutes: MOTION by Dechavez, SECONDED by Elzhenni. Approved 8-0 4. Communication from Citizens:  None 5. Communications from the Sterling Heights Police Dept.-Sgt. Kevin Reese  None 6. Agenda A. Building (virtual) Bridges  Dechavez stated that he was interviewed by the Macomb Daily regarding a resolution that he assisted with initiating, stating the following: A resolution for Sterling Heights City Council to condemn hate crimes and derogatory hateful acts against Asian Americans, and to encourage residents to report hate crimes to the proper authorities. Dechavez also coordinated the cities of Troy and Warren to adopt this resolution. Dechavez participated in the virtual Vaisakhi Celebration; received a Macomb County Volunteer of the Year award and attended their recognition ceremony; stated that Metromode ran an article regarding where to find Filipino food in Metro Detroit; and shared that he will have a display set up at the Warren City Library in May to celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Day. Dechavez also gave an update on food programs taking place in Sorsogon City.   S. Williams stated that she attended Ford’s 2nd Day of Understanding, which celebrated way to foster a culture of belonging and attended Dr. Gretchen Sorin’s “Driving While Black” virtual seminar.  Allen stated that she attended an information seminar regarding human trafficking, and hosted a panel discussion on autism with members of her sorority.  For more information on any of the above mentioned items, please feel free to contact fellow members. B. Cultural Exchange 2021  Giallombardo stated that the participation forms were mailed out and she has received a few forms for table displays and performances. Giallombardo added that she received several phone calls regarding possible sponsorship as well. She reminded committee members to make sure to send in forms by the due date and to continue to encourage colleagues, friends and organizations to do the same.  Giallombardo said that she’s been working on getting food truck participation, since the buffet line will not be permitted due to Covid-19 restrictions.  Due to the restrictions still in place at this time, pre-registration will be required for ANYONE attending the Cultural Exchange, in any capacity. Pre-registration will be available on the city’s website.  C. Williams agreed to MC the event as Chairperson, with the help of fellow committee members.  Giallombardo will keep everyone up to speed on the details via e-mails. Final details will be discussed at the June 3rd meeting.  Davis stated that MML is offering Bridge Builder microgrants to communities that promote diversity and culture, encourage civic participation and bridge connection within the community. The deadline is at the end of May and Davis will submit an application on behalf of the Ethnic Community Committee. 7. Old Business:  Giallombardo gave an update on the “Breakfast of Nations” event, stating that it won’t be a breakfast, but more of a “Performance Festival” with an award element to close the event. The date is set for November 6th and will held at Community Center . The event will be open to students, and will give them a place to be heard and showcase performances. The event is being coordinated by Kathryn Brenna of Global Detroit; and will offer a series of workshops that will help prepare about 30 students for their performances, workshops will be held in October. A recognition and reception will follow the performances and close out the evening. Giallombardo will follow-up with further details as she receives them.  Giallombardo reminded committee members that Sharron Allen will serve at the city’s Memorial Day Grand Marshal, adding that the parade was cancelled but the traditional ceremony will take place on May 31, at 9:00 a.m. and will be open to the public. 8. New Business:  None 9. Adjournment. Meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m.